Benguela – The governor of the province of Benguela, Manuel Nunes Júnior, highlighted on Wednesday the commitment to preserving cultural heritage as the best way to protect history, tradition and collective memory.
Governor Manuel Nunes Júnior was speaking at the Benguela National Museum of Archeology (MNAB), during the Jan 8th, National Culture Day, where he stated that preserving cultural heritage is to guarantee the perpetuation of our history and identity as a people.
To this end, he highlighted some of the Benguela govt's projects, with emphasis on the rehab - still ongoing - of the Flamingo and Monumental cinemas, in addition to the construction, already completed, of the crafts square and the arts workshop, on Morena beach.
According to the governor, the construction of the Benguela Municipal Office joins the actions done by the Angolan Executive, with the aim of enhancing cultural infrastructures, judging by their historical importance.
“Each tradition kept alive is a link that strengthens our identity and our union as a people”, he emphasized, further certifying that preserving heritage means ensuring that our history continues to be told.
As I said, the aim is to build a Benguela, where culture is referenced and historical heritage is protected, for the benefit of current and future generations.
People's identity
In fact, Manuel Nunes Júnior highlights the idea that “a people without culture is a people without references, past and without elements that differentiate them from other peoples in the world”.
The National Culture Day, he stressed, should serve to highlight the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage, with cultural heritage being an invaluable legacy of our ancestors.
For this reason, it recognizes that protecting cultural heritage means protecting the history and collective memory of our traditions.
The governor also appealed for the valorization and preservation of traditions, artistic expressions and cultural heritage of the Angolan people, as this is the only way to strengthen their identity.
Furthermore, he challenged society to protect cultural demonstration, which, in his view, “are our essence as an independent and sovereign people”.
“We must find in every song, dance, poem and delicacy of our cuisine the strength that moves us forward, the hope that joys us and the solidarity that unites us”, Manuel Nunes Júnior said.
On the other hand, he urged that Jan 8th serves as a reflection on the preservation of culture, from music, dance, crafts, literature and national languages, “as a treasure that carries the soul of our nation”.
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